The Concept of Teledermatology

Teledermatology

Teledermatology is a sub-specialty of dermatology and Likely it is the most popular applications of e-health and telemedicine. In addition to telecommuncation technologies that are used to transfer medical information in long distance over audio, visual and data communication. There are four benefits of teledermatology:

1. Time Management. As well to decrease clinic visits, it also find a solution for long wait times for patients. Research represents that the minimum wait time4 for a dermatology appointment in Canada is four months, with some Stretch up to two years., teledermatology responses can take less than a week5.
2. Efficiency. As well to time management Interests, places like Canada are experiencing a shortage7 of Dermatology and Venereology, These Dermatology and Venereology are in very high demand; one study represent that approximately 555 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Canada8 every day. This is creating a conflict for medical professionals to increase the proper quality of care in the timely manner that patients needs. <.li>
3. Increasing access to care and researching new markets by enabling virtual consultation regardless of geographic location.
4. Reducing emergency department visits preventing overcrowding and significantly lowering health care costs.

Types of teledermatology:

1. Interactive teledermatology – This type of communication entails that the medical provider and patient are communicating using a live audio session or a video conference. This form of communication can be used not only for consulting, but also in some cases during remote surgeries that increase telerobotic microscopes and other types of advanced equipment.
2. Store and Forward (SAF) teledermatology – SAF mode of communication is much more widespread. It also increase sending and receiving of digital images. The main advantage of this system is that it does not need the use of advanced equipment and high internet speeds. The disadvantage is that parties in this form of communication are not need to be available at the same time, which can lead to alot delays

There are three applications for teledermatology:

1. Healthcare Management. The primary form of teledermatology use is in direct consultation between a patient with a certain skin condition and a dermatologist. This consultation is performed digitally using available SAF or real-time communication methods communication session with a dermatologist is with the use of modern smartphone devices. The field of Home Telehealth provides care to patients who suffer chronic conditions at their homes. One of the parts of home telehealth is teledermatology, which can provide patients with crural ulcers or other skin conditions to remain in touch with their dermatologists, get diagnosis and treatment plans, manage follow-up appointments, and get reminders about their medication use. A crural ulcer is a medical condition that requires treatment that involves several weekly appointments.
2. Teledermatology Education Telehealth services enable medical professionals to very quickly share information not only to their colleagues (thus enabling faster response times for treating various diseases) but also a great way of informing public about modern healthcare developments, advice and services. Universities today have access to web applications, computer-based training and online courses that are designed from the ground up to educate medical students. Medical professionals and specialist can also access training courses designed for them, including those from the field of dermoscopy.
3. Mobile teledermatology. Teledermatology is a process in which patient who seeks the medical advice from dermatologists uses a mobile device to establish the connection with him suing a preferred medical app. This type of mobile teledermatology can be used from users home and from the field. Field use is especially useful for travelers who find themselves suffering skin diseases and medical professionals who are working on the go. Mobile teledermatology is particularly useful for patient triage (referrals to seek proper medical attention from appropriate medical branches) and encouraging patients to take more active role in managing their health.

References

1. https://telehealther.com/what-is-teledermatology/
2. https://evisit.com/what-is-teledermatology/